Scanning the meat section at a grocery store, I spot a familiar golden yellow seal and crimson banner, signifying a brand that stands out among the rest. It’s also recognizable in many top-quality eateries across the country and in other parts of the world. This year, the Certified Angus Beef® brand (CAB®) celebrates its 40thanniversary and continues to be a premium brand in the market.
Their producer communications internship centered about writing and, of course, beef. It stood out to me for these reasons as I searched for additional professional experience between my junior and senior years. Originally, I heard about the internship from one previous intern and a course instructor of mine, both of whom encouraged me to apply. I took advice and applied online quickly in early November or late December, interviewed and was presented with the opportunity to work for Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) during summer 2018.
In early January, I flew to Wooster, Ohio for my first full experience with the brand. Young beef leaders gathered at the Culinary Center for a short seminar; and we spent time in the meat lab with beef carcasses, in the conference area with CAB professionals, and in community with one another. It was an all-around educational program for beef lovers in attendance. This only scratched the surface for what was to come. To learn more about the brand, visit certifiedangusbeef.com or CABpartners.com.
I decided to work and live in Ohio for my summer internship from the end of May to mid-August. Producer communications interns in the past have not normally migrated out to the corporate office (since the Manhattan office closed), but the move enriched my overall experience tremendously. I leveraged office contacts and stories for my team, connected with co-workers in other divisions, learned about retail and food service, attended an all-staff meeting in July, and participated in biweekly staff breakfasts — one of my favorite CAB company culture trademarks. The work environment of a company can’t be understood remotely, so I encourage other students to work in a traditional office setting at least once before graduation.
Working with the CAB writing team across the country, I created technical news releases, columns, features on brand partners, posts for the Black Ink®blog (www.blackinkwithcab.com) and video scripts. Interviews included ranchers with registered Angus bulls, culinary chefs and other partners in the beef cattle community. I will utilize many writing and media pieces from this internship in my portfolio as I search for a full-time job.
Strong writing students who are coachable and can handle independent projects should apply. Although I worked in the corporate office, my supervisor and “writing coach” work remotely; so effective email and phone communications were critical. Basic photography skills are also highly important for assignments.